At Echo, we believe that innovation thrives at the intersection of cutting-edge research and real-world application. That's why we're proud to highlight our ongoing collaboration with École nationale des ponts et chaussées (ENPC), one of France's most prestigious engineering schools, which has been making waves since 2023, in seeking to solve urban planning challenges via modern location-based service data.

A strategic partnership built on a shared vision

Our partnership with ENPC goes beyond traditional industry-academia collaborations. 

Since signing our agreement in 2023, we've been working together on research projects and exploring innovative use cases using Echo's comprehensive mobility datasets. 

This collaboration represents a mutual commitment to advancing the field of smart mobility through data-driven solutions.

Central to this partnership is our colleague Danyang Sun, a PhD alumnus of ENPC in geospatial data modeling, who has been teaching a specialized course module within ENPC's Smart Mobility master's program. Through this role, Danyang guides students in tackling complex urban and transport planning challenges, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

From classroom to real-world impact: The two-day workshop

In March, we had the privilege of welcoming a group of bright students from ENPC's Smart Mobility program to our offices for an intensive two-day technical workshop. 

Led by Professor Fabien Leurent, the research director at CIRED-ENPC, and Mathieu Py, the director of the Smart Mobility Master Program, the visit provided students with hands-on experience in mobility data analysis.

Workshop structure and objectives

The workshop was carefully designed to provide students with comprehensive exposure to Echo's data ecosystem and analytical capabilities. Our objectives were clear and ambitious:

Technical skills development:

• Technical platform navigation: Students learned to navigate Echo's proprietary data platform and leverage its powerful data analysis capabilities
• Geographical data analysis: Participants gained expertise in interpreting and exploring mobility data alongside Echo's cartographical datasets (POIs) to extract meaningful insights
• Use case development: Students developed the ability to formulate clear, data-driven questions and objectives related to transportation planning

The Essonne project

The workshop centered around a concrete, high-impact project: analyzing new transport services for Essonne (91). Students worked with Echo's geographical datasets, including mobility and POI data, to conduct territory diagnosis and economic studies.

This real-world application exemplifies what makes our partnership with ENPC so valuable. Students don't just learn about mobility data in the abstract; they work on projects that have a genuine impact on communities and decision-making processes.

More than just data

Our collaboration extends beyond data access. The workshop began with a comprehensive office tour and introduction to Echo, giving students insight into how a location-intelligence technology company operates. This exposure to industry practices, combined with access to our datasets and analytical tools, provided them with a unique perspective on the mobility sector.

The enthusiasm and curiosity demonstrated by the ENPC students during their visit reinforced our belief in the value of these academic partnerships. Their fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to mobility challenges inspire our team and contribute to the evolution of our thinking.

Investing in the next generation

Our partnership with ENPC represents a collaboration and investment in the future of mobility innovation. By working with the next generation of mobility professionals, we're helping to shape the leaders who will tackle tomorrow's urban challenges.

The success of this workshop demonstrates the power of combining academic rigor with industry expertise. Students gain practical skills and real-world experience, while we benefit from fresh perspectives and the opportunity to contribute to mobility education.

As we continue this partnership, we're excited about the possibilities ahead. The intersection of academia and industry creates fertile ground for innovation, and we're proud to support the development of smart mobility professionals who will drive positive change in our cities and communities.

Interested in learning more about Echo's academic partnerships or exploring collaboration opportunities? Contact us to discover how we can work together to advance mobility innovation.